Maudelle Shirek, progressive leader, honored in Old Berkeley City Hall

The Berkeley City Council chambers were filled to capacity Tuesday evening, with overflow seating downstairs, to honor former Councilwoman Maudelle Shirek, who died April 11. Photo: Emilie Raguso

BERKELEYSIDE: National and local politicians, along with city staff, family and other loved ones, came together Tuesday in Berkeley to celebrate the life of former Councilwoman Maudelle Shirek who died in April at 101.

The memorial took place in the building re-named in 2005 to honor Shirek — a Berkeley councilwoman for 20 years — known widely as the “godmother of progressive politics” due to her work in the peace movement, and in the fight for social justice, nutrition, fair housing, HIV/AIDS education, civil rights, human rights and an end to apartheid.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee described Shirek as “the heart and soul of the progressive movement,” who was “larger than life,” and inspired black leaders such as Lee herself and former Congressman Ron Dellums to run for office.

“She knew what oppression was all about…. Who else could help us understand how to fight for justice?” asked Lee, noting Shirek’s position as the granddaughter of a slave, and a black woman in America during many difficult decades. “She didn’t let that take her down. She showed us all how to lead.”